Kent State retiring Harrison jersey

Published Aug. 28, 2013 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Kent State is retiring NFL star linebacker James Harrison's jersey.

Harrison, a longtime star with Pittsburgh and now with Cincinnati, will be honored during the Golden Flashes' season opener Thursday night against Liberty. Harrison, who wore No. 16 in college, is the fifth Kent State player to have his jersey retired, joining Jim Corrigall, Hall of Famer Jack Lambert, Eric Wilkerson and Josh Cribbs.

Harrison will not be able to attend the game because the Bengals are hosting their final exhibition game. Harrison's parents will be presented with a framed No. 16 jersey on his behalf.

In addition to starring at the school from 1998-2001, Harrison donated $100,000 to his alma mater last year. The school renamed the weight room at its field house The James Harrison Strength & Conditioning Center.